Modular assembly cross-tube attachment tab designs and functions

ABSTRACT

A seating assembly includes a seat. A front assembly bracket is coupled to an underside of the seat. A rearward retention member defines a receiving aperture to receive a front cross-tube. A polymeric overmold is disposed over the rearward retention member. A forward retention member is operable between open and closed positions and is disposed proximate the rearward retention member. A rear assembly bracket includes a tab end operably coupled with the seat. A rounded body is configured to close engage a rear cross-tube. A fastener end is configured to secure the rear assembly bracket against the cross-tube.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a seating assembly, and moreparticularly to modular assembly cross-tube attachment tab designs andfunctions for a seating assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Seating assemblies typically include a seatback to support a back of anoccupant in an upright sitting position and various reclined positions.Similar to other portions of a seating assembly, seatbacks are commonlydesigned to support an occupant in the upright sitting position uponacceleration, change in direction, and collision of the vehicle.Accordingly, seatbacks are substantially rigid and sizeable inconstruction.

Traditional vehicle seating has frequently included a seat frame thatsupports a matrix of springs that support a thick cushion thereon. Newerconstructions having climate control features add to the bulk. Theseconstructions are generally very thick and heavy, which result indecreased interior space in a vehicle, as well as loss of fuelefficiency as a result of the added weight of the seating system.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seatingassembly includes a seat. A front assembly bracket is coupled to anunderside of the seat. A rearward retention member defines a receivingaperture to receive a front cross-tube. A polymeric overmold is disposedover the rearward retention member. A forward retention member isoperable between open and closed positions and is disposed proximate therearward retention member. A rear assembly bracket includes a tab endoperably coupled with the seat. A rounded body is configured to engage arear cross-tube. A fastener end is configured to secure the rearassembly bracket against the cross-tube.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a seatingassembly includes a seat. A front assembly bracket is coupled to anunderside of the seat. A rearward retention member defines a receivingaperture that receives a front cross-tube. A polymeric overmold isdisposed over the rearward retention member. A forward retention memberis operable between open and closed positions and is disposed proximatethe rearward retention member. A rear assembly bracket secures the seatagainst a rear cross-tube.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofmanufacturing a vehicle seating assembly includes constructing a seat. Arearward retention member is operably coupled with a front cross-tube. Aforward retention member is secured to the rearward retention member. Aforward retention member is provided proximate the rearward retentionmember. Each rearward retention member is engaged with a frontcross-tube of a seat frame. The rearward retention member and the seatare rotated so that rear hooks of the seat engage a rear cross-tube ofthe seat frame.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosurewill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a seating assembly of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front perspective view of the seating assembly ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a seat frame ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a seat of thepresent disclosure with a cushion assembly removed;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a carrier andsuspension assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a front assemblybracket of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a front assemblybracket;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side elevational view of the front assemblybracket of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a connectingfeature of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the connecting feature of FIG.9, with the connecting feature in an open position;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the connecting feature of FIG. 9with the connecting feature in a closed position;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the connecting feature of FIG. 9after engagement with a front cross-tube;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a rear assemblybracket;

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the rear assembly bracket of FIG.13 with a tab end operably coupled with a seat carrier;

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the rear assembly bracket ofFIG. 13 with the tab end of the rear assembly bracket operably coupledwith the seat carrier and in a closed position;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of a seat portion of the seatingassembly prior to engagement of the seat with the seating assembly;

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the seat after engagement with therear cross-tube of the seating assembly;

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of the seat after engagement with therear cross-tube; and

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the seating assembly after theseat has been installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However,it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume variousalternative orientations, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top andbottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity oraction from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities oractions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to the embodiment generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-19,reference numeral 10 generally designates a seating assembly including aseat 12 and a seatback 13. A front assembly bracket 14 is coupled to anunderside of the seat 12 and includes a rearward retention member 18that defines a receiving aperture 20 to receive a front cross-tube 22. Apolymeric overmold 24 is disposed over each rearward retention member18. The front assembly bracket 14 also includes a forward retentionmember 26 that is operable between open and closed positions and isdisposed proximate the rearward retention member 18. A rear assemblybracket 28 includes a tab end 30 operably coupled with the seat 12. Therear assembly bracket 28 also includes a rounded body 32 configured toengage a rear cross-tube 34 and a fastener end 36 is configured tosecure the rear assembly bracket 28 against the rear cross-tube 34.

With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the seating assembly 10 may beused in any vehicle 40, such as a car, a truck, a van, etc. It is alsocontemplated that the concept set forth in this disclosure may beutilized in a front or forward position of the vehicle 40 as well as arear or rearward position of the vehicle 40. The seating assembly 10, asillustrated, includes a seat base 42 that is positioned on rail slides44 to allow fore and aft movement of the seating assembly 10 relative tothe vehicle 40. The seat 12 is operably coupled with the seat base 42and is movable relative thereto, as set forth in further detail below. Aseating surface of the seat 12 is generally configured to support anoccupant. In addition, the seatback 13 of the seating assembly 10includes a frame 47 that provides support to a lower lumbar region 48and an upper thoracic region 49, as well as a head restraint 45. Each ofthe components of the seatback 13 may be configured for adjustability toproperly support the weight of various occupants inside the vehicle 40.

With reference now to FIGS. 3-5, the seating assembly 10 includes firstand second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52 supported on aseat carrier 53. The seat carrier 53 includes sidewalls 51 with rearvertical support flanges 55. The seat carrier 53 also includes anarcuate rear wall 57 configured to abut a top portion of the frontcross-tube 22. Each of the first and second independently movable thighsupports 50, 52 is disposed next to a side bolster support 54. The sidebolster supports 54 include attachment features 56 for receiving acushion assembly 60 thereon. A suspension assembly 62 is disposed belowthe cushion assembly 60 between the first and second independentlymovable thigh supports 50, 52 and the arcuate rear wall 57. The rearcross-member 64 receives ends of the suspension assembly 62. Thesuspension assembly 62 includes first and second elongate spring members66, 68 that include a midportion 70 operably coupled with a retainer 72proximate each of the first and second independently movable thighsupports 50, 52. Each of the first and second elongate spring members66, 68 includes a variety of fastener members 76 configured to attachvarious components below the seating assembly 10. In addition, amidportion of the seat 12 includes a receiving ring 78 defining anaperture 80 for receiving a climate control member duct or fan.

With reference again to FIG. 4, the seating assembly 10 is illustratedwith the first and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52removed. The first and second elongate spring members 66, 68 areillustrated, which are configured to support the buttocks of anoccupant. The front assembly bracket 14 is operably coupled with theseating assembly 10 and disposed above the front cross-tube 22 below thefirst and second independently movable thigh supports 50, 52. The frontassembly bracket 14 is coupled with a forward portion of the seatcarrier 53.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6-9, the front assembly bracket 14 includes abody portion 90 that extends generally laterally and is configured forattachment with the seat 12 at rearward pivot locations 92. A rearportion of the front assembly bracket 14 includes a rearward verticalsupport wall 94, which adds rigidity to the front assembly bracket 14.The front assembly bracket 14 also includes sidewalls 95. The frontassembly bracket 14 includes a receiving aperture 96 configured forsecure engagement with a fastener 98 of the rearward retention member18.

The front assembly bracket 14 also includes receiving apertures 101configured to receive forwardly-extending hook features 102. In theillustrated embodiment, there are first and second forwardly-extendinghook features 102. However, it will be understood there could be more orless forwardly-extending hook features 102 than illustrated herein. Theforwardly-extending hook features 102 are configured to engage the frontcross-tube 22 to allow for rotation of the seat 12 in a downwardposition until the seat 12 has securely engaged the frame 47 of the seat12. The front assembly bracket 14 also includes protrusions that extendupwardly from the body portion 90 and are configured to securely retainup-stops 106 that prevent the first and second independently movablethigh supports 50, 52 from over-rotating upward. The forwardly-extendinghook features 102 each define a receiving aperture to receive the frontcross-tube 22. In addition, each of the forwardly-extending hookfeatures 102 includes a polymeric overmold to minimize buzz, rattle, andsqueak concerns. The forwardly-extending hook features 102 also includea plurality of reinforcement ribs 110 configured to engage a top portionof the front cross-tube 22. Notably, the plurality of reinforcement ribs110 are defined in a portion of the overmold that is disposed within thereceiving aperture of the forwardly-extending hook features 102.However, it is contemplated that the plurality of reinforcement ribs 110may be formed in the front assembly bracket 14 or as part of theforwardly-extending hook features 102.

With reference now to FIGS. 9-12, the rearward retention member 18 andthe forward retention member 26 are illustrated. The rearward retentionmember 18 defines a receiving aperture 100 configured to engage thefront cross-tube 22 in a similar fashion to the forwardly-extending hookfeatures 102. However, the rearward retention member 18 is configured tocradle the front cross-tube 22 and maintain secure engagement with thefront cross-tube 22 after assembly of the seat 12. This is accomplishedby engagement of the rearward retention member 18 with the forwardretention member 26.

The rearward retention member 18 includes an upper mounting body 120with a fastener aperture 122 disposed therein and a lower arcuateportion 124 designed to receive the front cross-tube 22. The polymericovermold 24 extends over the arcuate portion 124. A forward end of thearcuate portion 124 includes a lower wall 126 having a fastener aperture127 configured to receive a fastener. The forward retention member 26 isdisposed in front of the rearward retention member 18 and is operablebetween open and closed positions. The forward retention member 26includes a polymeric overmold 130 proximate an arcuate portion 132thereof. A lower wall 134 extends downwardly from the arcuate portion132 and includes a fastener aperture 136 generally aligned with thefastener aperture 127 of the lower wall 126 of the rearward retentionmember 18. An engagement head 140 is disposed above the arcuate portion132 and is configured for linear translation fore and aft within anopening 142 defined in a recess 143 of the front assembly bracket 14.The engagement head 140, along with the arcuate portion 132, definereceiving slots 144 that engage the front assembly bracket 14. Whenproperly engaged, the engagement head 140 extends through the opening142 and the arcuate portion 132 extends below the front assembly bracket14. Thus, the forward retention member 26 can be moved forward andrearward and also pivoted into contact with the rearward retentionmember 18 to retain the front cross-tube 22 during assembly.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the forward retention member 26 is in arearward position and configured for engagement with the rearwardretention member 18. Upon movement forward and rotation downward of theforward retention member 26, the lower wall 126 of the forward retentionmember 26 and the lower wall 134 of the rearward retention member 18 arein abutment, such that the fastener apertures 136, 127, respectively, ofeach are aligned and configured to receive a fastener. In theillustrated embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the front cross-tube 22 isnot illustrated. However, it will be understood by one having ordinaryskill in the art that the front cross-tube 22 would extend through thereceiving aperture 20 defined between the rearward retention member 18and the forward retention number 26.

With reference now to FIGS. 13-15, the seating assembly 10 also utilizesthe rear assembly bracket 28 to securely engage the seat 12 with theseating assembly 10. The rear assembly bracket 28, as disclosed above,includes the tab end 30, which is operably coupled with the seat 12.More specifically, the tab end 30 engages the rear wall 57 of the seatcarrier 53. The tab end 30 extends through a slot 150 and is adjustablewithin the slot 150. The rear assembly bracket 28 also includes therounded body 32 that is configured to engage the rear cross-tube 34. Thefastener end 36 of the rear assembly bracket 28 is configured tosecurely engage with an engagement tab 152 extending from the rear wall57 of the seat 12. In use, the tab end 30 extends through the slot 150in the rear wall 57 of the seat carrier 53 of the seat 12 and rotateswithin the slot 150 until the rounded body 32 of the rear assemblybracket 28 abuts against the rear cross-tube 34. Upon full rotation, thefastener end 36 abuts the engagement tab 152 extending from the rearwall 57 of the seat carrier 53 until a fastener 154 can be extendedthrough a fastener aperture 156 of the engagement tab 152 and a fasteneraperture 158 of the fastener end 36 (FIG. 15). Once securely engaged,the seat carrier 53, and consequently the seat 12, are ready for use.

During the manufacturing process, the seat carrier 53 and the seat 12are prepared for engagement with the seat frame 47. Theforwardly-extending hook features 102 are positioned on the frontcross-tube 22. The seat 12 is then rotated downward into position untila rear engagement channel of the seat carrier 53 engages the rearcross-tube 34. Once engaged, the rear assembly bracket 28 is rotatedinto position until the fastener end 36 is in abutting engagement with atab on the seat carrier 53. A mechanical fastener is then extendedthrough the fastener end 36 and the tab.

At a front end of the seat 12, the forward retention member 26 isrotated downward into position such that the lower wall 134 of theforward retention member 26 is in abutting contact with the lower wall126 of the rearward retention member 18. A mechanical fastener is thenpositioned through the fastener aperture 127 of the rearward retentionmember 18 and through the fastener aperture 136 of the forward retentionmember 26. The seat carrier 53, and consequently the seat 12, are nowsecured to the seating assembly 10 and ready for use.

This construction provides a quick and safe manner of attaching a seatcarrier and seat to a seating assembly during the manufacturing process.Minimal fasteners are required and the assembly can be done in a minimalamount of time.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seatcomprising: a front assembly bracket coupled to an underside of the seatand comprising: a rearward retention member defining a receivingaperture to receive a front cross-tube; a polymeric overmold disposedover the rearward retention member; and a forward retention memberoperable between open and closed positions and disposed proximate therearward retention member; and a rear assembly bracket comprising: a tabend operably coupled with the seat; a rounded body configured to engagea rear cross-tube; and a fastener end configured to secure the rearassembly bracket against the cross-tube.
 2. The vehicle seating assemblyof claim 1, wherein the rearward retention member includes a pluralityof reinforcement ribs.
 3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1,wherein the front assembly bracket includes first and second up-stops.4. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 3, wherein the front assemblybracket includes an opening within which the forward retention member ismoveable.
 5. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein therearward retention member is disposed between independently moveablethigh supports of the seat.
 6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1,wherein the rearward retention member and the forward retention membereach include a fastener aperture.
 7. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising: a reinforcement rib projecting forward fromthe forward retention member.
 8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim1, further comprising: a rearward vertical support wall extendingdownwardly from a rear portion of the front assembly bracket.
 9. Thevehicle seating assembly of claim 1, further comprising: sidewallsextending upwardly from side portions of the front assembly bracket. 10.A seating assembly comprising: a seat comprising: a front assemblybracket coupled to an underside of the seat and comprising: a rearwardretention member defining a receiving aperture that receives a frontcross-tube; a polymeric overmold disposed over the rearward retentionmember; and a forward retention member operable between open and closedpositions and disposed proximate the rearward retention member; and arear assembly bracket that secures the seat against a rear cross-tube.11. The seating assembly of claim 10, wherein the rearward retentionmember includes a plurality of reinforcement ribs.
 12. The seatingassembly of claim 10, wherein the front assembly bracket includes firstand second up-stops.
 13. The seating assembly of claim 12, wherein thefront assembly bracket includes an opening within which the forwardretention member is moveable.
 14. The seating assembly of claim 10,wherein the rearward retention member is disposed between independentlymoveable thigh supports of the seat.
 15. The seating assembly of claim10, wherein the rearward retention member and the forward retentionmember each include a fastener aperture.
 16. The seating assembly ofclaim 10, further comprising: a reinforcement rib projecting forwardfrom the forward retention member.
 17. The seating assembly of claim 10,further comprising: a rearward vertical support wall extendingdownwardly from a rear portion of the front assembly bracket.
 18. Theseating assembly of claim 10, further comprising: sidewalls extendingupwardly from side portions of the front assembly bracket.